Brain Awareness Week March 14-20, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, migraine with aura, and sleep apnea

There are a few health awareness events in March, one of them is Brain Awareness Week, which is a worldwide campaign to promote the importance of brain research and raise awareness on brain conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, migraine with aura, and sleep apnea. One of the focus areas of this year’s Brain Awareness Week is brain injuries. Research efforts are also directed to uncover the processes behind the human brain operation and the reasons for glitches in this delicate mechanism. While there’s a lot of discourse on brain injuries and their implications for one’s life, there’s not enough research with regards to brain’s ability to adapt to and work around those injuries. Such research has a potential to greatly ameliorate the public’s state of mental health – regardless of age. The researchers press for an interdisciplinary approach in order to tackle such complex issue from different angles. In their opinion, collaboration is the best – and fastest – way to find working solution to promote lasting brain health.

Alzheimer’s disease home remedies for better brain health, memoryAlzheimer’s disease home remedies for better brain health, memory

Over time, toxins can help the formation of plaques in your brain tissue that can trigger degenerative diseases like dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease, but home remedies can help combat these toxins and protect your memory.

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Exercise and healthy eating are the two main remedies for a healthy brain, and they’re within our control. The same goes for the health of our brains, and steps to improve mental health and improve brain function overall. With just a few simple changes to your diet and activities to stimulate your brain, you could be well on your way to sharper focus, better recall, and good brain health. Continue reading…

Brain damage likely from chronic stress and anxietyBrain damage likely from chronic stress and anxiety: Study

Based on the results of an analytical study, scientists from the Rotman Research Institute, a division of Baycrest Health Sciences, caution people that chronic stress and anxiety may lead to an increased risk for developing depression, and even dementia.
So what exactly is chronic stress?
Anxiety, fear, and stress are common emotions and are considered a normal part of life. But only if they are occasional and temporary, such as feeling stressed and anxious before a job interview or an exam. However, when those acute emotional reactions become more frequent and long-lasting, their status changes to chronic stress. Continue reading…

Alzheimer’s disease, dementia risk lower in seniors who exerciseAlzheimer’s disease, dementia risk lower in seniors who exercise, which protects brain’s gray matter

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia risk are lower in seniors who exercise as physical activity has been shown to protect brain’s gray matter. A new study found that seniors who exercise regularly have larger amounts of gray matter associated with better memory and cognition.

Numerous studies have pointed to the benefits of exercise on the brain. Unfortunately, as many individuals age, they tend to become more sedentary as opposed to staying active. Investigator James T. Becker said, “Our current treatments for dementia are limited in their effectiveness, so developing approaches to prevent or slow these disorders is crucial. Our study is one of the largest to examine the relationship between physical activity and cognitive decline, and the results strongly support the notion that staying active maintains brain health.”

The researchers examined data collected over five years from 876 people over the age of 65. The participants all underwent brain scans and periodic cognitive assessments. The individuals were also asked how often they partook in any physical activity, like walking, playing tennis, swimming, dancing, or taking aerobic classes. The results helped researchers determine weekly calorie expenditure. Continue reading…

migraine with auraMigraine may change brain’s structure permanently, risk stronger in migraine with aura

Migraine may change the brain’s structure permanently and the risk is stronger in migraine with aura. Study author Messoud Ashina said, “Traditionally, migraine has been considered a benign disorder without long-term consequences for the brain. Our review and meta-analysis study suggests that the disorder may permanently alter brain structure in multiple ways.”

Migraines were found to raise the risk of brain lesions, white matter abnormalities, and alter brain volume – compared to individuals without migraine. The association was even higher in those who suffer from migraine with aura.

The meta-analysis reviewed six population-based studies and 13 clinic-based studies to determine whether patients with migraine or patients with migraine with aura have a higher risk of brain lesions, white matter abnormalities, and changes in brain volume. MRI scans were conducted to compare the groups. Continue reading…

Women with sleep apneaWomen with sleep apnea may have higher degree of brain damage than men

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Sleep apnea in women may lead to a higher degree of brain damage compared to men. Although sleep apnea is most common in men, there are still numerous women who also have this sleep disorder that results in the stoppage of breathing numerous times a night.

Sleep apnea has been linked to many health problems and consequences, including high blood pressure, fatigue, and – as it was recently found – brain damage.

The study looked at 400 women from a random sample of 10,000 women who underwent sleep tests and filled out questionnaires. Sleep apnea was found in 50 percent of the women, and the researchers also found a link between age, hypertension, and obesity. They uncovered that overweight women and women with hypertension were more likely to develop sleep apnea. In fact, 80 percent of women with hypertension and 84 percent of overweight women had sleep apnea. Sleep apnea was also worse in overweight women aged 55 to 70 years. Continue reading…

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